2023: Oba of Benin flays money-bags politics

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has expressed concerns over money-bag politics in the country, saying it is denying the people genuine representations in all elective positions.

The monarch said this at his palace at the weekend when he received the Minister of

Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, who was in Benin to woo the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates ahead of the party primary election.

“Money seems to be gaining momentum too much in our politics and I am not happy with that and it should be discouraged to give room for genuine representatives of the people.”

The Benin monarch, who said the palace is non-partisan, advised that the forthcoming elections should not be a do-or-die affair.

“I appeal that when eventually you are successful, please do not forget the youths so that there will be less violence in politics and they will become better human beings,” Oba Ewuare II said.

He charged the minister to beef up security in the nation’s railways to avoid the reoccurrence of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway attack that left some persons dead and others kidnapped.

Earlier, Amaechi pledged to tackle insecurity and education among others if given the opportunity as president.

He said he was the most experienced aspirant to turn the country around having been a two-time speaker; Chairman, Nigeria Speakers Forum; two-time Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF); governor for eight years, and now a minister.

“During my tenure as governor of Rivers State, these two were major focus among others like transportation, roads and agriculture. I will replicate the same if elected as president,” he said.